A lot of big names have fallen on the NFL unemployment line this offseason, including the 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Charles Woodson, 36, could be a nice fit in a young secondary needing a boost of savvy and physicality, most likely as a safety. Such landing spots as New England, Cleveland and Indianapolis could work.

Mike Roemer/Associated Press file photo

NEW YORK

The free agency frenzy doesnt begin until March 12.

Tell that to general managers who have begun flooding the market with veterans they have cut  guys who can sign with any team at any time.

Joining that group Friday were such former Pro Bowl players John Abraham and Michael Turner, released by Atlanta along with cornerback Dunta Robinson.

Also available is 2009 Defensive Player of the Year Charles Woodson; the Green Bay Packers let the defensive back go last month.

While players whose contracts have expired cant change addresses for another 11 days, the so-called street free agents now out on the streets can join teams immediately. Thats already happened with former Buffalo safety George Wilson, who signed with the Titans, and it certainly could occur again before the likes of Mike Wallace, Jake Long, Reggie Bush and Greg Jennings on offense or Dwight Freeney, Anthony Spencer, Paul Kruger and Cliff Avril on defense become available.

Wilson was coveted by Tennessee for reasons that stretch beyond the field, and Woodson also could fall into that category. Listen to what Titans general manager Ruston Webster said about Wilson, who twice was Buffalos Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee:

George is a quality veteran player. He will contribute for us on the field, but his contributions also will come off the field, in the locker room and in the meetings rooms. He was respected as a football player and a leader during his career in Buffalo, and he will bring that veteran presence to our team.

The 36-year-old Woodson would be a nice fit in a young secondary needing a boost of savvy and physicality, most likely as a safety. Such landing spots as New England, Cleveland and Indianapolis could work.

Abraham has a history of nagging injuries, and hell most likely be a situational pass rusher at age 35 next season. Still, any club looking for such a boost could do worse than Abraham, who had 10 sacks as a part-timer when the Falcons went 13-3 last year.

Turner no longer seems capable of being an every-down back, but his power and quick feet could help a team that has an established starter but no proven backup or an offense with a speedy running back and not much inside presence.

Oft-injured Ahmad Bradshaw, late of the Giants, also fits that category. No one competes harder, but that has been a detriment for Bradshaw, too, because his style makes him vulnerable to getting hurt.

Tennessee, Cleveland and Green Bay could find them attractive at the right price, which, of course, is a major reason these players are unemployed right now.

Atlanta saved about $16 million in cap space with its three cuts Friday.

The New York Jets freed up $31 million when they released linebackers Calvin Pace and Bart Scott, safety Eric Smith and tackle Jason Smith last month.

Naturally, there are other factors, including age, health, depth at a position, a change in coaching staffs and, of course, production.

Players such as Packers center Jeff Saturday and Carolina defensive tackle Ron Edwards simply might be at the end of the line.

Kansas City tight end Kevin Boss got onto the field for only two games in 2012.

The Saints David Thomas was expendable because Jimmy Graham is among the best tight ends around, and New Orleans prefers to load the field with wideouts along with Graham.

Philadelphia released defensive tackles Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson when Chip Kelly was hired as coach.

The Jets Pace and Scott and Chiefs receiver Steve Breaston became overpriced when their on-field contributions dramatically slipped.

Oddly, many of those players currently available figure to be left waiting until weeks into full free agency before they find new homes.

And dont be shocked to see a few of the current free agents wind up back where they started  for much less money.

The Denver Broncos placed their franchise tag on All-Pro left tackle Ryan Clady on Friday, ensuring the three-time Pro Bowler a salary of $9.828 million in 2013.

Thats almost triple the $3.5 million Clady made last season when he allowed just one sack in more than 1,100 snaps during Mannings comeback season.

Unemployment line is long and rich

John Abraham, defensive end: Cut.

Bob Leverone/Associated Press file photo

Dunta Robinson, cornerback: Cut.

David Goldman/Associated Press file photo

Michael Turner, running back: Cut.

Bob Leverone/Associated Press file photo

A lot of big names have fallen on the NFL unemployment line this offseason, including the 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Charles Woodson, 36, could be a nice fit in a young secondary needing a boost of savvy and physicality, most likely as a safety. Such landing spots as New England, Cleveland and Indianapolis could work.